News release

(INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.) The Indy Fuel professional hockey franchise has attracted almost $1 million in annual corporate sponsorship commitments nearly half a year before dropping the puck on its inaugural season in the ECHL, including a major partnership with Indianapolis-based Community Health Network that includes sports medicine services to the team. The Fuel announced the Community Health agreement today, along with several other deals as its sponsorship efforts gain momentum.

“Leading corporate citizens and institutions have really welcomed the Fuel to the community, and we’re forming some outstanding new partnerships,” said team president Sean Hallett. “Working with Community Health Network is a great opportunity for our organization, on and off the ice – their leadership in sports medicine and orthopedics will help our players thrive through the rigors of the season.”

“Sponsoring the Indy Fuel is a winning proposition for Community Health Network,” agreed Jon Fohrer, vice president of orthopedics at Community. “To promote a healthier Indianapolis, we have to be highly visible, and the excitement of professional hockey at the new Coliseum is sure to attract a lot of attention.”

After naming head coach Scott Hillman earlier this week, the franchise is focused on building a winning roster for the upcoming season. The new coach brings a master’s degree in kinesiology and professional experience in athletic performance consulting to the team, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to a strong sports medicine program.

“We’re pleased to provide sports medicine services to the Indy Fuel,” said Nichole Wilson, Community’s director of physical therapy and rehab/sports medicine. “At Community, we have the expertise and resources to help everyone – from the ‘weekend warrior’ to the professional athlete – keep pursuing the sports they love. We look forward to being part of the Fuel’s competitive advantage on the ice.”

Indiana Pacers guard George Hill is the face of Community Sports Medicine. The program also provides sports medicine services for the Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing Team and support for athletic teams at ten area high schools, including Beech Grove, Decatur Central, Franklin Central, Greenwood, Lawrence Central, Lawrence North, New Palestine and Warren Central. Additionally, Community Sports Medicine partners with Riverview Hospital and Johnson Memorial Health to support Noblesville High School and Whiteland High School athletic programs.

In addition to the Community Health Network sponsorship, the Fuel announced other key partnerships:

Lewis and Wilkins LLP, an Indiana-based law firm with offices in Indianapolis and Fishers, will be the named sponsor of the exclusive Club Level seating at Fuel games.

Jose Cuervo, the world’s first tequila producer and inventor of the margarita, has secured naming rights to the bar facilities in the Coliseum.

Vincennes University will sponsor blimp flights at Fuel home games, promoting its Aviation Technology Center, offering degree and certificate programs at the Indianapolis International Airport.

“We’re building an organization that’s ready to compete and win in the top ‘AA’ pro hockey league as part of the Chicago Blackhawks family,” Hallett continued. “Off the ice, our sponsors will be an important part of the fan experience – we’re working with organizations that understand that the fans come first, and are looking for unique ways to get involved.”

Hallett also noted that the franchise is exploring opportunities with several potential Coliseum naming rights partners, and expects an announcement in the near future.

Lisa Kroshus, the Fuel’s Vice-President of Corporate Sponsorships, added that the team’s position as Indianapolis’ newest professional team and its occupancy of the newly-renovated Fairgrounds Coliseum gives sponsors a unique ‘ground floor’ opportunity. “We’re reaching new fans every day, and aim to provide affordable family fun as we energize hockey fans,” she said. “And with more than 140 planned events with the potential to draw one-and-a-half million visitors, many of our opportunities go far beyond hockey – the value will only increase as the Coliseum attracts more events and the team’s following continues to grow.”

For details on corporate sponsorship opportunities, companies and organizations should contact Kroshus at LKroshus@IndyFuelHockey.com.

About the Indy Fuel The Indy Fuel is bringing professional hockey back to Indianapolis, and will begin skating against rivals in the ECHL – the premier ‘AA’ league for the NHL – in October 2014. The Fuel’s ‘home ice’ is the newly-renovated Coliseum on the Indiana State Fairgrounds, which hosted the city’s first hockey team more than 75 years ago as well as its newest professional franchise. The Indy Fuel will host 36 home games during the 2014-15 season, providing exciting competition and affordable entertainment for the whole family. Learn more at IndyFuelHockey.com, and connect with the team on Twitter @IndyFuel and at Facebook.com/IndyFuel.

About Community Health Network Ranked among the nation’s most integrated healthcare systems, Community Health Network is Central Indiana’s leader in providing convenient access to exceptional healthcare services, where and when patients need them—in hospitals, health pavilions and doctor’s offices, as well as workplaces, schools and homes. As a non-profit health system with over 200 sites of care and affiliates throughout Central Indiana, Community’s full continuum of care integrates hundreds of physicians, specialty and acute care hospitals, surgery centers, home care services, MedChecks, behavioral health and employer health services. To learn more, visit eCommunity.com or call 800-777-7775.